
Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon worth booking?
Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon is a 11-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $49 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 16 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (16)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $49 per person
Discover the dramatic canyon landscapes of Kazakhstan in one action-packed day from Almaty. Your journey takes you through three stunning canyons, each with its own distinct character. Charyn Canyon — towering red rock
What you get
- National parks entrance fees
- Bottled water
- English speaking guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch box
About this experience
Discover the dramatic canyon landscapes of Kazakhstan in one action-packed day from Almaty. Your journey takes you through three stunning canyons, each with its own distinct character. Charyn Canyon — towering red rock formations stretching 154 km, often called the Grand Canyon of Central Asia. Walk the lower trail through the legendary Valley of Castles, then climb to the upper rim for a panoramic view of the entire canyon. Continue to the mysterious Black Canyon, where dark volcanic walls create a striking contrast, and finish at the surreal Moon Canyon — pale, crumbling formations that look like a lunar landscape. A hot homemade lunch is included mid-tour at a local café. Private Tour: Same route, your group only — flexible pace and personalized attention. English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup from 7 AM. All national park entrance fees included. Maximum 10 people per group.
What's included
Included
- National parks entrance fees
- Bottled water
- English speaking guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch box
What you'll see and do
Charyn State National Nature Park
07:00 pick-up 08:30 WC stop 10:00-12:20 Walking inside the canyon, taking pictures, reaching the Charyn river 12:20-13:00 Lunch boxes
180 minutes here · Admission included
Canyon Aktogay
13:30-14:00 Black canyon stop (view point)
30 minutes here · Admission included
Uzunbulak Canyon (Moon Canyon)
14:30-15:00 Walking in Moon canyon
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Private tour to Charyn canyons
Private tour to Charyn canyons Pickup included
Charyn Canyon Day Tour small group
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kazakhstan Very Nice
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Another 3 hours travellers will spent in the car
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- be offered a different date or a full refund This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
16 verified traveler reviews for Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The company forgotten my booking
I booked directly with the company rather than through a reservation site and paid via PayPal. I received no communication the day before; when I reached out early in the morning, they simply sent me a WhatsApp contact and told me to get in touch with the guide myself. Although the company claimed they hadn't forgotten my booking, the guide mentioned that they had only received my contact details 30 minutes prior. There were no issues with the tour content or the price itself. However, it was obvious my booking had been overlooked, as I was the only one who hadn't been informed about the lunch details beforehand. My drop-off point was on the outskirts of the service area, and during the return trip, both the driver and the guide made it very clear that dropping me off was a huge hassle for them. Is it wrong to book a service that is being offered? I was left feeling disappointed.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful scenery
The canyons are beautiful overall great trip. Leana is a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. 10/10 would recommend, very nice 👍
via Tripadvisor
Kazakhstan - Very Nice. Didi is nicer
When your company is named after your country, the pressure to live up to it is obvious & they delivered in a spectacular fashion. Our group had my daughter & I from India, a couple from Japan and one from Germany. There were also two ladies one from Finland and another from Russia. Our young guide Didi - an extrovert was not only knowledgeable about her area but knew enough about our respective countries to hold a conversation. The costs and facilities provided including the food was satisfactory to the entire group and we all felt that it was a day well spent.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
Amazing experience! I am glad I booked this tour and not a tour where you leave super early and visit several lakes + the canyons. This way we could really enjoy our time in the canyons, take our time on the way :) our guide Didi was amazing as well and the lunch was deliiiicious! The big plus is being picked up directly at he hotel!
via Tripadvisor
The whole day tour, start 7am to 5pm. Very good price, only $60 usd, including a good lunch.
Great tour, excellent guide and gain a life time experience. The value of this tour exceeds my expectations. I will come back next year!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $49 to $150
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kazakhstan Very Nice, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.4 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Kazakhstan Very Nice runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon cost?
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Prices start at $49 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Almaty usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Almaty is not rushed.
Is Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 16 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Almaty, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 11-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Almaty can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Almaty and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Almaty within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Almaty?
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On Outty we rank every Almaty experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour, Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour, Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Almaty?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Almaty?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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